Moving Beyond Binary Gender Identities and Patterns of Projection for Couples

Course Synopsis:

There are few issues more compelling in contemporary psychotherapy than clients’ presentations of their gender identities. Gender identities have been largely understood as existing on the binary spectrum of “man-woman” for individuals. Such a restriction has implication for individuals and for the intimate relationships they develop with others. This workshop will address the importance of seeing gender identities as clustering on two spectra: binary and transcendent. Since gender identities are defensively projected in intimate relationships along affective, behavioral and cognitive lines, therapists need to learn how to recognize this gender-rich projected material. Additionally, therapists need to develop ways to assist couples to move more flexibly from their entrenched notions of gender (both self and partner) to more enlivened ones.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe nine (9) gender identity clusters on two spectra

2. Discuss projection as a defense mechanism present in all intimate relationships

3. Demonstrate ways in which gender identity(ies) gets projected

4. Compare binary and transcendent gender identities and patterns of projection for couples

5. Examine (via case studies) the clinical evolution from entrenched to modified gender identity projections

General Course Outline:

8:30am Registration

9:00am Introductory video

Overview of gender identity revolution

Exercise: constructing gender

The power of two spectra

10:30am Break

10:45am The phenomenon we call projection

The gender identity/gender projection wheel

What do gender identity projections look like?

What do gender identity projections look like between partners? Exercise: my favorite gender identity projections

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm An intimate comparison of binary & transcendent projections for couples

How likely is movement from binary to transcendent projections for couples?

2:15pm Break

2:30pm Three (3) couple case studies:

Becci & Steven: binary/binary

Jimmie & Joseph: transcendent/transcendent

Ed & Amy: binary/transcendent

The future of couple therapy and gender identity projection processes

4:00pm Closing

Instructor Bio:

Vince Nevins, PhD, LMFT is a practicing psychotherapist who specializes in working with couples. Gender has been an area of particular interest for Dr. Nevins and was the focus of his doctoral dissertation. Vince now serves as an Assistant Professor and Practicum Director at Dominican University of California. He has held clinical directorship positions at St. Mary's Partial Hospitalization Program in Golden Gate Park and at several counseling agencies in the Greater Washington, DC area. Dr. Nevins has been licensed since 1988, maintains therapy and consultation practices on both coasts, and has supervised therapists in training throughout his clinical career.

Registration:

Early registration discount up to 14 days before the workshop. Early registration discounts ends March 2nd, 2019.

General: $180/$150 early registration

Dominican alumni: $150/$120 early registration

Dominican students and faculty: $100/$80 early registration

Please note: Cancellations are subject to a $50.00 processing fee and must be received 14 days prior to be eligible for a refund.

Enrollment may be limited and is accepted in the order completed registration are received. Actual enrollment is confirmed via email two weeks prior to start of course. All courses are subject to minimum enrollment - early registration is encouraged.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT CE CREDITS:
Those who attend this workshop in full and complete the appropriate evaluation form will receive CE credits. Please note that credit will only be granted to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credit. No credit is given for partial attendance.

The Department of Counseling Psychology at Dominican University of California, is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for Psychologists. Dominican University maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Board of Behavioral Sciences now recognizes CPA PAS CE credit for MFT and LCSW license renewal.

Questions? Contact Rani Devadasan, rani.devadasan@dominican.edu 415-485-3266